What Are Injectable Fillers?
Injectable fillers are gel-like substances that are strategically injected beneath the skin via fine needles to restore volume, smooth lines, fill-in creases and folds, and recontour or define features in various areas of the face, neck, and hands. By targeting specific cosmetic concerns and goals, the wide range of available injectable fillers (also known as dermal fillers) can restore a more youthful-looking aesthetic and improve signs of aging. A few examples include minimizing smile lines, plumping lips, filling hollows beneath the eyes, and more. Injectable fillers can also be a beneficial accompaniment to a facelift, brow lift, and other cosmetic facial surgeries.
At Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery, our double board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, Dr. Mark Beaty, is dedicated to creating custom treatment plans based on the unique structures and proportions of each individual for the most natural-looking outcome.
What are injectable fillers made of?
Dr. Beaty uses dermal fillers that are categorized as “natural fillers.” This means they are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the human body that is responsible for plumping and firming the skin. Hyaluronic acid does this by binding with nearby water molecules once injected. Our practice also offers biostimulators, which are injectable products that induce the body to naturally create more collagen over time, and facial fat transfer, which harnesses the power of a patient’s own fat to provide truly natural-looking rejuvenation.
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are a popular choice, since HA is found naturally within the skin and provides reliable, effective outcomes. Our providers also offer biostimulating injectables, such as Radiesse and Sculptra, which encourage the body to produce more of its own collagen for radiant, natural-looking results that can last for years. Our injectors take the time to discuss the distinctions between the different options with each patient so that you can make an informed choice.
Autologous fat injections are another option for patients interested in facial or hand rejuvenation. Fat is harvested from another region of the patient’s own body before being processed, purified, and meticulously reinjected to add desirable volume to the target areas for safe and long-lasting effects. Fat injections are considered a “semi-permanent” method of rejuvenation, but the treatment is also more invasive, since liposuction must be performed to harvest the fat initially—though for some patients, this is an added benefit.
What Are the Treatment Areas for Dermal Fillers?
Advancements in both injection techniques and high-quality filler products continue to expand the variety of areas and cosmetic concerns that can be addressed with injectable fillers.
During a personal consultation, Dr. Beaty will evaluate the patient’s areas of concern, rejuvenation or enhancement goals, and medical history to form the most beneficial treatment plan. For more information about these treatment areas, please continue reading the individual sections below.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Injectable rhinoplasty, or “liquid rhinoplasty,” has increased greatly in popularity and can be an effective solution for the refinement of the nasal dorsum and tip. Restylane and Juvederm are the most commonly used fillers for this area. Nasal injections are highly dependent on the technique and complications can be significant so it is especially important to seek a knowledgeable and experienced nasal injector for this procedure.
What Can I Expect from My Injectable Rhinoplasty?
These treatments can be very satisfying, masking issues such as a bump on the bridge or an overly thin tip, without needing surgery. However, patients do need to remember that the effects created are not permanent, so they will need to come in for another injection session when the current injected fillers wear off. Additionally, an injectable rhinoplasty can be a highly complex treatment. The injector needs to have extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the nose and the face in general. That’s where you can rely on the board-certified training and expertise of Dr. Beaty, who also performs surgical rhinoplasty procedures.
Am I a Candidate for Injectable Rhinoplasty?
Anyone seeking to provide subtle changes to their nose is a good candidate for injectable rhinoplasty. Dr. Beaty has many options and often uses Restylane or Juvéderm XC for these procedures. While injectable rhinoplasty cannot make the sort of dramatic changes that our surgeon can with surgical rhinoplasties, fillers can be great for refining the bridge and the tip.
We often have patients who are interested in nose surgery with Dr. Beaty who uses filler injections to, in effect, demo the procedure. Because the results gained with filler injections are not permanent and can be reversed with the injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, patients can try out different changes to see if they like them.
Temple Filler
Sculptra is excellent for improving the contours of temporal hollows. Many people have volume loss in this area as they age and Sculptra provides excellent contouring and restoration of youthful volume. This is an area often overlooked in the facial aging process but can make a big difference in the appearance of the upper face!
View Before & After Fillers
Under Eye Filler
Many people benefit from filler in the “tear trough” area under the eyes to treat volume loss or shadowing. It may even help mask pseudoherniated fat in the lower lid, putting off the need for surgery. Dr. Beaty uses Restylane most often for this purpose as this filler is less hydrophilic than other hyaluronic acid fillers and therefore provides a more stable correction in this thin-skinned area.
Which Under-Eye Filler Is Right for Me?
Fillers can be very effective for filling the creases under our eyes, also known as tear troughs. Our doctor prefers Restylane for this job. He finds Restylane to have the right balance of firmness and cohesiveness for this area of thin skin. Restylane is somewhat less hydrophilic, meaning it doesn’t attract and bind to as many water molecules as some of the other hyaluronic acid fillers. The results are stable and last for up to two years.
What Are the Risks of Using Fillers for Under-Eye Areas?
These are very low-risk treatments. Dr. Beaty’s extensive knowledge of facial anatomy as a board-certified facial plastic surgeon ensures you’ll be happy with your results. Also, if you don’t like the look, Restylane can be reversed and neutralized by the injection of an enzyme. Generally, the only side effects are slight swelling at the injection sites and possible light bruising. This passes in a day or two.
View Before & After Under-Eye Photos
Jawline Filler
Jawline enhancement should be performed deeply right over the periosteum, mimicking an implant or an actual change in anatomy. Voluma, Vollure, and Radiesse can all be used effectively here and are long-lasting solutions in these low-mobility areas.
What Is the Best Filler for Jawline Contouring?
At Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery, we use different techniques for jawline contouring depending on patients goals. Dr. Beaty uses Juvéderm Voluma XC, Juvéderm Vollure XC, Teoxane RHA fillers, and Radiesse. Voluma is typically used for returning volume to the cheeks, while Vollure and Radiesse are excellent for mid-to-deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. All three of these options can be good for jawline contouring, and our injectors can match the subtle differences between them to your unique needs.
How Long Will My Jawline Filler Results Last?
This chin and jawline enhancement will provide results lasting between 15 months to two years. There is some variability between patients due to the exact location of the injections and the person’s individual metabolism.
Jawline Filler Before and After Photos
Midface Augmentation
Midface augmentation replaces volume loss and with the proper use of filler can help provide support for the lower cheeks and nasolabial folds. Voluma and Restylane Lyft are the most commonly used fillers for this purpose.
Before & After Midface Augmentation Photos
Nasolabial Folds & Marionette Lines
You may know them as “smile lines,” but nasolabial folds is the clinical term. They are universal on the human face, but on some people they form more deeply than on others. This is the most common area augmented with fillers. It really depends on the needs of the patient as to which filler is best here. Some people have very sharply defined N/L folds, others softer. Since different fillers have varying degrees of G prime (think consistency and stiffness), the best one to use is selected for each patient. At Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery, we commonly use Juvederm, Restylane, Vollure, and Restylane DeFyne and ReFyne in this area.
What Causes Nasolabial Folds & Marionette Lines to Form?
They are caused by sun damage, declining collagen production that is a part of aging, thinning skin (due to that declining collagen production), loss of fat in the area, and smoking. The almost constant movements of our mouths when smiling and the like can deepen these creases.
Before & After Nasolabial Folds & Marionette Lines Photos
Lip Filler
Lip enhancement is a popular and powerful aesthetic enhancement. We have many options for defining the lip border and Juvederm or RHA for volume enhancement. Volbella can be useful for short-term lip enhancement and border definition. Some products should be avoided as they can cause clumping and irregularities in the lip.
What Is Lip Augmentation?
Dermal fillers have enabled many patients to have fuller, more defined lips. Filler injections can add volume, provide symmetry between the sides, add definition to the borders, erase the vertical lines known as barcode or smoker’s lines, and generally give you the lips you wish you’ve always had.
What Are the Best Dermal Fillers for Lip Augmentation?
There are a few options for lip augmentation. Juvéderm Ultra and Restylane Silk were the first two fillers for the lips. Juvéderm added Volbella to deliver more subtle changes, and Restylane added Kysse for a longer-lasting effect. Dr. Beaty will work with you to choose the best product to meet your goals.
Neck & Decolletage
We hyperdilute Radiesse volumizing filler to be used in the neck and decolletage areas for subtle rejuvenation.
Full Face Filler Rejuvenation
Full face filler rejuvenation is a holistic approach to address mild to moderate signs of aging throughout the face and neck. By treating the entire region with subtle injections, this technique can help to lift, shape, smooth, and contour for a natural-looking, refreshed outcome. Target areas for full face filler rejuvenation typically include the temples, cheeks, under eyes, lips, and chin—depending on the patient’s unique concerns and goals. Additionally, this method factors in the hierarchy of how each area may affect the other, such as lifting cheeks to smooth wrinkles around the mouth, for a more harmonious effect. Generally, this treatment can be accomplished over several different sessions by improving all areas of the face together until the desired result creates an overall more balanced, youthful appearance.
Full Face Before and After Photos
Hand Filler
Our surgeon performs individualized and precise volume augmentation of the hands with personally selected fillers for your best correction. These are often a Juvederm or Restylane filler product, however, we also offer Radiesse or a fat transfer procedure. Improving the contours of the hands minimizes the appearance of prominent veins and tendons, leading to more youthful-looking, rejuvenated hands.
Hand Filler Before and After Photos
How Many Injectable Sessions Will I Need for Wrinkle Reduction?
These are single treatments. Dermal fillers provide instant results, both directly and by binding with nearby water molecules and returning volume to the area they are injected. The duration of effect for each filler is somewhat different, so when your body eventually absorbs the filler, you’ll need to schedule another session with your injector.
Can I Fill Deep Wrinkles or Creases with Dermal Fillers?
Juvéderm Vollure XC, Restylane Defyne, and Teoxane RHA 4 are all designed for deeper lines and creases, such as nasolabial folds. Your provider can discuss the different options with you during the consultation process.
Are Injectable Fillers Permanent?
No, filler treatment is not permanent. Dermal fillers eventually are absorbed and cannot be a permanent solution to lines, wrinkles, or areas of volume loss. For longer-lasting results, please consult with Dr. Beaty on surgical procedures that can achieve an extended aesthetic outcome.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about our Injectable Fillers, call us at (770) 273-0037 to schedule a consultation. Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to serve Alpharetta, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas of Georgia.
